St. Cloud State helped TEDxStCloud launch the first ever virtual reality TEDx event this October. Visualization Engineer Mark Gill mapped and coded the Paramount Theatre in downtown St. Cloud to reproduce it in AltSpace VR and filled it with information on TEDxStCloud highlights.
Among the speakers on stage Dr. Christopher Lehman shared his research on how slave owner investments in northern U.S. states enriched and grew northern cities, and Dr. Jennifer Lamb and Dr. Matt Davis spoke on their research into biofluorescence found in amphibians. In the video booth audiovisual engineer Kelly Larson produced the livestream. Helping plan it all was College of Science and Engineering Experiential Learning and Outreach Director Stephen Janasie, on the planning team.
TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Locally the event is called TEDxStCloud, where x equals independently organized TED event. It is an event where local speakers share the latest research happening in their communities to highlight the work being done and spark conversations. More than 3,000 TEDx events are held each year throughout the world.
TEDxStCloud launched in 2017 with talks focusing on technology, healthcare and the arts. Speakers are drawn from the industrial, non-profit and academic communities and the event is designed to build community by making sure all feel welcomed and connected, said Brian Hart ’94, co-organizer. The events other co-organizer, Erin Perry Borron, is also a St. Cloud State alumna.
St. Cloud State has been a partner in bringing the event to life each year. Staff members serve on the planning board and students, faculty and staff members serve on an inclusion team that strives to reach out to underrepresented groups in the community to make sure they know about the event and feel welcome, so that the event is a true reflection of the diversity in the St. Cloud Community. Faculty and alumni speakers spread their ideas — many of which have their start in the labs and classrooms at St. Cloud State.
Focus on inclusion
Students volunteering on the inclusion team help TEDxStCloud identify communities within St. Cloud that aren’t reached by traditional marketing efforts to make them aware and invite them to the event each year. Students have helped in efforts to provide complementary tickets to leaders in underrepresented communities throughout the region. They’ve helped make the event more accessible for individuals who are hard of hearing or have mobility impairments, Hart said.
“Spreading ideas is pretty universally applicable,” he said. “We bring together people who might not otherwise come together. It really is intended to be kind of a gift to the community, a celebration of community, and a way to grow community. We’re very intentional about that.”
St. Cloud State ties
Alumna Kari Turkowski spoke at the inaugural event in 2017. Since that first presentation, almost half of the speakers have had ties to St. Cloud State.
In 2018 two St. Cloud State faculty members took to the stage with Dr. Beth Berila speaking about how recognizing differences can be a bridge to making real connections and Visualization Lab Director Mark Gill speaking on how early adopters can shape how technology is used and adopted to improve lives.
In 2019 Dr. Matt Julius took to the stage as a speaker, while Gill returned with Dr. Bill Gorcica to put on an interactive virtual performance art installation in the reception area, and Dr. Terry Vermillion led an interactive percussion performance from the stage.
Other speakers for TEDxStCloud come from local industries, organizations and other academic institutions. The event is a way to highlight and spread the word about the great work and research that is being done right here in Central Minnesota, Hart said.
“We’re really excited to help people get their ideas spread as far as possible,” Hart said. “We really appreciate the support of the university community, the event wouldn’t be what it is today without the connections we have at St. Cloud State.”
